Tongva shamans considered Basin Sagebrush a sacred plant. It was a trade item from the "homeland" in the Great Basin Desert of central Nevada .

Food: Large quantities of seeds were gathered, parched, and ground into “flour” for a “pinole”-like mush.

Medicinal: Leaves were burned for fumigation; branches were hung in sweat-houses, burned to fumigate sick areas, and used to disinfect childbirth implements.

Leaves were also made into a medicinal tea for stomachaches and to reduce fever. Chewed leaves were used as a poultice for aches and pains.

An infusion of leaves was taken for bronchial problems. A decoction of leaves and stems was used as a wash for sores and as an eyewash and used as an antiseptic for cuts and wounds.

Dye: Leaves produce a greenish dye and was used for tattoos.

Spiritual: Tongva shamans used wikwat in all their ceremonial or healing activities. It was also hung in medicine sweat lodges and in general sweat lodges.

Aromatic herbal shrub.

Blossoms August to October

Dry slopes and plains, 1500-10,600 feet. Sagebrush Scrub, Yellow Pine Forest , Chaparral, Pinyon-Juniper Woodland . Mainly in the Great Basin Desert .